Bridal jewellery made from gold found in e-waste is launched by Royal Mint

The collection, featuring wedding bands, engagement rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, is made from 18 carat gold sourced from end-of-life electronic waste, recovered onsite at the Royal Mint’s facility in south Wales.

The 886 by The Royal Mint brand was established in 2022 with a focus on “sustainable luxury”, as the Mint diversifies into new markets.

Precious metals can be recovered from circuit boards in discarded electronics such as mobile phones and laptops, transforming e-waste into luxury jewellery.

Anne Jessopp, chief executive of The Royal Mint, said: “This collection marks a pivotal moment in The Royal Mint’s transformation as we expand beyond our traditional boundaries into new luxury markets.

“By combining our 1,100-year heritage of precious metal expertise with cutting-edge technology, we’re demonstrating how historic institutions can lead the way in sustainable innovation.”

Dominic Jones, 886 creative director and designer of the collection, said: “The Royal Mint has a remarkable heritage yet continues to evolve in ways that feel truly relevant today.”

Each piece from the collection has a “modern take on the traditional good luck charm” – an X-ray silver sixpence crafted from silver recycled from medical and industrial X-ray films.

The bridal collection will be available from September 29 at the Burlington Arcade flagship boutique in London and online.

The collection includes engagement rings with lab-grown diamonds priced from £2,895 and with natural diamonds priced from £10,995.

There are also wedding bands in 18 carat yellow gold designs priced from £1,295 and jewellery in the “teardrop collection” priced from £595.